jury

¹

[ joor-ee ]

noun

, plural ju·ries.

1. a group of persons sworn to render a verdict or true answer on a question or questions officially submitted to them.
2. such a group selected according to law and sworn to inquire into or determine the facts concerning a cause or an accusation submitted to them and to render a verdict to a court. Compare grand jury, petty jury.
3. a group of persons chosen to adjudge prizes, awards, etc., as in a competition.

verb (used with object)

, ju·ried, ju·ry·ing.

1. to judge or evaluate by means of a jury:

   All entries will be juried by a panel of professionals.

jury

²

[ joor-ee ]

adjective

, Nautical.

1. makeshift or temporary, as for an emergency:

   a jury mast.

jury

¹

/ ˈdʒʊərɪ /

noun

1. a group of, usually twelve, people sworn to deliver a true verdict according to the evidence upon a case presented in a court of law See also grand jury petit jury
2. a body of persons appointed to judge a competition and award prizes
3. the jury is still out informal.
   it has not yet been decided or agreed on

jury

²

/ ˈdʒʊərɪ /

adjective

1. nautical in combination makeshift

   jury-rigged

Grammar Note

See collective noun.

Other Words From

• jury·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of jury¹

1250–1300; Middle English jurie, juree, < Old French juree oath, juridical inquiry, noun use of juree, feminine past participle of jurer to swear; jurat

Origin of jury²

1610–20; compare jury mast (early 17th century), of obscure origin; perhaps to be identified with late Middle English i ( u ) were help, aid, aphetic form of Old French ajurie, derivative of aidier to aid, with -rie -ry

Word History and Origins

Origin of jury¹

C14: from Old French juree, from jurer to swear; see juror

Origin of jury²

C17: of unknown origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. the jury is (still) out, a decision, determination, or opinion has yet to be rendered:

   The jury is still out on the president's performance.

Example Sentences

Ibarra had waived his right to a jury trial, which means his case was heard and decided by county Judge Haggard.

From BBC

At the Old Bailey, Mr Justice Cavanagh also told the jury that they may consider an alternative charge of manslaughter.

From BBC

The jury seemed to think the shoe fit, taking around 40 minutes to come back with its verdict: Guilty on all counts.

From Los Angeles Times

“We also deeply respect the fundamental role of the jury in our constitutional system.”

From Salon

He disputed the idea that jurors’ identities were meant to be kept secret, arguing Olmedo’s ruling only hid information contained in “the forms that the jurors fill out relating to their jury service.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• board
• tribunal